5 AEGON N.V. IS ONE OF THE WORLD S LEADING LISTED LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES RANKED BY MARKET CAPITALIZATION AND ASSETS. AEGON S HEAD OFFICE IS IN THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS. AT THE END OF 2004, AEGON COMPANIES EMPLOYED ABOUT 27,000 PEOPLE WORLDWIDE. AEGON S BUSINESSES FOCUS ON LIFE INSURANCE AND PENSIONS, SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PRODUCTS. THE GROUP IS ALSO ACTIVE IN ACCIDENT AND SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE AND GENERAL INSURANCE, AND HAS LIMITED BANKING ACTIVITIES. AEGON S THREE MAJOR MARKETS ARE THE UNITED STATES, THE NETHERLANDS AND THE UNITED KINGDOM. IN ADDITION, THE GROUP IS PRESENT IN A NUMBER OF OTHER COUNTRIES INCLUDING CANADA, HUNGARY, SLOVAKIA, SPAIN AND TAIWAN. AEGON IS ALSO ACTIVE IN CHINA. AEGON ENCOURAGES PRODUCT INNOVATION AND FOSTERS AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT WITHIN ITS BUSINESSES. NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ARE DEVELOPED BY LOCAL BUSINESS UNITS, WITH A CONTINUOUS FOCUS ON COST CONTROL, USING A MULTI-BRAND, MULTI-CHANNEL DISTRIBUTION APPROACH TO MEET CUSTOMERS NEEDS. RESPECT, QUALITY, TRANSPARENCY AND TRUST CONSTITUTE AEGON S CORE VALUES AS THE COMPANY CONTINUALLY STRIVES TO NOT ONLY MEET, BUT EXCEED THE EXPECTATIONS OF CUSTOMERS, SHAREHOLDERS, EMPLOYEES, BUSINESS PARTNERS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS. PURSUING ITS MISSION OF CREATING BETTER FINANCIAL FUTURES FOR ALL STAKEHOLDERS, AEGON WILL CONTINUE TO EXPLORE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFITABLE GROWTH. AEGON ANNUAL REPORT

6 AT A GLANCE NET INCOME in EUR million 1 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 TOTAL ASSETS in EUR billion NET INCOME PER SHARE in EUR , DIVIDEND PER SHARE in EUR ,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1, INCOME BEFORE REALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES ON SHARES AND REAL ESTATE BY ACTIVITY in EUR million 1 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 INCOME BEFORE TAX GEOGRAPHICALLY in EUR million Life insurance Accident and health insurance General insurance Banking activities Other activities -1, Americas The Netherlands United Kingdom Other countries 1 The graphs have been adjusted for the changes in accounting principles implemented as of January 1, 2004 FINANCIAL RELATIONS AEGON values its many relationships with the global investment community and is committed to the highest standards of integrity and fair disclosure. The international business activities of the company are reflected in the geographical diversity of AEGON s investor base. AEGON s Investor Relations program is aimed at ensuring efficient and effective access to the global capital markets. For this reason, AEGON s common shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, New York, Tokyo and Zurich. The company s stock is included in several major equity indices. In addition, AEGON has a variety of debt instruments outstanding in various major currencies. In order to obtain a fair valuation for its securities, AEGON is committed to ensuring that equity and fixed income investors have an accurate understanding of the company s performance and prospects. To achieve this, AEGON s Investor Relations program focuses on providing investors around the world with the information required to make sound investment decisions. This includes information on key factors that drive AEGON s businesses and influence its results, financial condition and value. AEGON is focused on ensuring that both financial and nonfinancial information is disclosed accurately, completely, timely and in a consistent fashion. A major change in the financial reporting of companies will take place in 2005 with the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). AEGON is fully prepared for this transition and has held a number of presentations to educate the financial community on the relevant changes in the accounting standards. The first publication of IFRS results will 2 AEGON ANNUAL REPORT 2004

7 AEGON SHARE PRICE DEVELOPMENT VERSUS INDICES (rebased) 1,200 1, SHARE PRICE INFORMATION (IN EURO) Price high Price low Price year-end Price/Earnings Ratio Source: Bloomberg, Datastream AEGON AEX Index S&P 500 Index DJ Stoxx 600 Insurance Index S&P 500 Insurance Index SHARE PRICE INFORMATION (IN USD) Price high Price low Price year-end Source: Bloomberg SHAREHOLDER BASE AEGON N.V. COMMON SHARES percentage (estimated) The Netherlands 36 United States of America 31 United Kingdom & Ireland 9 Rest of Europe 22 Rest of World 2 LISTINGS Amsterdam Frankfurt London New York Tokyo Zurich Euronext Amsterdam Deutsche Börse London Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange Tokyo Stock Exchange Swiss Exchange Number of common shares (million) 12/31/2004 1,553 Free float of common shares* 12/31/ % Average daily trading volume 2004 all exchanges (million common shares) 9.8 * Percentage of outstanding common shares not owned by Vereniging AEGON Source: Bloomberg take place on April 14, 2005, when AEGON will provide comparative key IFRS figures for Starting with the publications of its first quarter results 2005 on May 1 1, 2005, AEGON will report its results on an IFRS basis. On May 5, 2004, the European life insurance industry took an important step towards improving the consistency and transparency of life insurance reporting through the launch of the European Embedded Value Principles. AEGON has supported this initiative and expects that, in all material aspects, the AEGON principles will be consistent with embedded value life insurance under the new rules. In 2004, AEGON successfully issued junior perpetual capital securities to retail investors and completed a benchmark senior debt issue to institutional investors. AEGON actively maintains contact with the financial community in many ways, including investor roadshows throughout the USA, Europe and Asia, webcasts, press releases and investor days, while ensuring equal access to information. AEGON invites shareholders, bondholders and potential investors to learn more about AEGON. Dedicated Investor Relations staff is available to answer questions and is determined to maintain an open dialogue with the financial community. INVESTOR RELATIONS The Hague, The Netherlands: +31 (0) Baltimore, USA: AEGON ANNUAL REPORT

8 AEGON S CORE VALUES RESPECT We treat all our stakeholders the way that we want to be treated with consideration for individual and cultural diversity. QUALITY We offer products and services that are designed to improve the futures and financial security of our stakeholders. TRANSPARENCY We provide open, accurate and timely information about our products, performance and financial results. TRUST We build long-term relationships by honoring our commitments. STRATEGY COMMITMENT TO CORE BUSINESS AEGON focuses on the financial protection and asset accumulation needs of its clients and offers insurance products, with a strong emphasis on life insurance and pensions, savings and investment products. DECENTRALIZED ORGANIZATION AEGON has a multi-domestic and multi-brand approach, giving a high degree of autonomy to the management of the individual country and business units, encouraging entrepreneurial spirit and action. EMPHASIS ON PROFITABILITY AEGON aims to achieve a long-term average growth of net income of 10% per annum. The minimum return on investment is set to earn adequate returns well in excess of the cost of capital on the pricing of new business and acquisitions. Divestment of non-core and structurally underperforming activities as well as disciplined expense management are key to achieving these objectives. MARKET POSITION AEGON s objective is to achieve a leading position in chosen markets in order to achieve benefits of scale. INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION AEGON supplements its autonomous growth with selective acquisitions and partnerships, preferably in countries where AEGON already has a presence, in order to build scale and enhance distribution. 4 AEGON ANNUAL REPORT 2004

9 FROM THE BOARD AEGON WAS SUCCESSFUL IN PROFITABLY GROWING ITS BUSINESS IN BOTH EXISTING AND DEVELOPING MARKETS AEGON ANNUAL REPORT

10 CHAIRMAN S LETTER On behalf of the Executive Board, it is my pleasure to present AEGON s 2004 Annual Report. Throughout the preceding year, AEGON was successful in maintaining its focus on its core lines of business life, pensions and asset accumulation products and profitably growing its business in both existing and developing markets. DONALD J. SHEPARD CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD I am especially happy to report that all of AEGON s major country units contributed to the favorable results for The full-year proposed dividend further demonstrates our improved cash flows, AEGON s strong capital position and our confidence in our business. Without question, our industry has undergone some dramatic changes during the past several years. Since we last reported to you, market and economic conditions have continued to improve the prospects for AEGON. Although challenges remain, we have been pleased by less volatile equity markets, indications of a gradual rise in interest rates in the US, and lower defaults in the bond market. These conditions have all contributed to a more favorable climate for our business. The increased regulatory environment facing the industry, however, will continue to pose significant challenges. At the same time, these circumstances provide AEGON an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to sound and transparent business practices for the benefit of all of its stakeholders our shareholders, bondholders, customers, business partners, and employees alike. In the end, it is trust, reliability and quality in the execution of our business that will help to ensure AEGON s continued competitiveness and growth as one of the world s leading life insurance providers. At AEGON, we continue to see great opportunity for our industry. The need for wealth preservation and asset accumulation products will become increasingly in demand as aging populations look for more diverse pre and post-retirement 6 AEGON ANNUAL REPORT 2004

11 solutions. Further, taking into account the post-world War II generation ( baby boomers ), which represents the single greatest asset accumulation population pool in history, we see significant growth potential for our core lines of business. It is our view that we can best claim a portion of this significant potential by continually focusing on what we know and do best, by staying close to our customers and through disciplined financial management. Relying on a decentralized operating model, AEGON is well positioned to respond to the changes in the marketplace, as well as to the changing needs of its customers through innovative product development. Moreover, AEGON remains committed to seeking a leading position in chosen markets and to maintaining its status as a quality, cost-effective provider. AEGON s broad-based multi-channel distribution network continues to be one of its most notable strengths. This network was further enhanced during 2004 with the implementation of AEGON s successful strategic partnership with Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo (CAM), providing access to one of Spain s leading bank distribution channels. In France, AEGON increased its stake from 20% to 35% in La Mondiale Participations in keeping with our aim of expanding our presence in the French life and pensions market. Additionally, we were pleased with our increasing participation in the fast growing Asian market during Having secured a license to conduct business in Beijing, China, in October, AEGON signed a national cooperation agreement with the Agricultural Bank of China, further enhancing AEGON s multi-distribution strategy in this promising market. In AEGON s largest country unit, the United States, the important agency channel grew during 2004 and we continued to broaden our relationships with key financial institutions and distribution partners. In the Netherlands, our focus during 2004 has been devoted to restructuring operations to better serve the needs of our customers while realizing a broad range of efficiencies in our service and marketing operations. And in the United Kingdom, we believe that our partnerships in the important Independent Financial Advisory (IFA) sector are ensuring that AEGON is well positioned to maximize the opportunities of the changing distribution landscape currently underway. We are grateful to the many dedicated staff of the AEGON companies and our distribution partners worldwide who daily help us to carry out our mission to provide better futures for individuals, families, businesses and communities. Thank you for your continued interest in AEGON, its businesses around the world and in our decisions, which are aimed at maximizing every opportunity for continued growth and profitability. Yours sincerely, Donald J. Shepard Chairman of the Executive Board AEGON ANNUAL REPORT

12 MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF AEGON N.V. DONALD J. SHEPARD JOSEPH B.M. STREPPEL JOHAN G. VAN DER WERF ALEXANDER R. WYNAENDTS DONALD J. SHEPARD (1946) American nationality, started his career with Life Investors in Serving in various management and executive functions with Life Investors, he became executive vicepresident and chief operating officer in 1985, a position he held until AEGON consolidated its other United States operations with Life Investors to form AEGON USA in He became a member of the Executive Board in On April 18, 2002, he became chairman of the Executive Board of AEGON N.V. JOSEPH B.M. STREPPEL (1949) Dutch nationality, started his career in 1973 at one of AEGON s predecessors in several treasury and investment positions. In 1986 he became CFO of FGH BANK and in 1987 he joined the Executive Board of FGH BANK. In 1991 he became chairman and CEO of Labouchere and in 1995 also of FGH BANK. In 1998 he became CFO of AEGON N.V. Since May 2000 he has been a member of the Executive Board of AEGON N.V. JOHAN G. VAN DER WERF (1952) Dutch nationality, started his career in 1973 as an officer in the Merchant Marine. In 1982 he joined one of the predecessors of AEGON as a sales manager. From 1987 to 1992 he was chairman of the management board of Spaarbeleg and in 1992 he became a member of the management board of AEGON The Netherlands. Since April 2002 he has been a member of the Executive Board of AEGON N.V. and CEO of AEGON The Netherlands. ALEXANDER R. WYNAENDTS (1960) Dutch nationality, started his career with ABN AMRO in 1984 and had several assignments in asset management (Amsterdam) and corporate finance (London). In 1997 he joined AEGON s Group Business Development department and was promoted executive vice-president and head of Group Business Development in May In 2003 he was appointed a member of the Executive Board of AEGON N.V. 8 AEGON ANNUAL REPORT 2004

13 REPORT OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD M. TABAKSBLAT D.G. EUSTACE I.W. BAILEY, II R. DAHAN O.J. OLCAY T. REMBE W.F.C. STEVENS K.J. STORM P. VOSER L.M. VAN WIJK ROLE OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD The duties of the Supervisory Board, which currently has ten non-executive members, consist of the supervision of the Executive Board s management and providing consultation and advice to the Executive Board. With the assistance of its four specialized committees, the Supervisory Board makes nominations to the Executive Board, deliberates and decides on compensation levels of Executive Board members and recommends terminations of the Executive Board when appropriate. The Supervisory Board also proposes to shareholders candidates for membership to its own body. Additionally, the members of the Board discuss quarterly results, accounting principles, dividends, AEGON s capital position, internal control procedures as well as risk management. Together with the Executive Board, the Supervisory Board regularly reviews AEGON s corporate strategy. The Supervisory Board held a total of eight meetings in Meetings were typically preceded or followed by meetings of the various committees. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE During several Supervisory Board meetings, the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, which became effective on January 1, 2004, and the implications for AEGON s corporate governance were discussed. During the annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) held on April 22, 2004, the Supervisory Board discussed with the shareholders its views and intentions relating to corporate governance. The chapter on Corporate Governance in this annual report will be on the agenda of the AGM to be held on April 21, 2005 and at that time proposals will be made to amend the Articles of Incorporation that are intended to bring AEGON s corporate governance further in line with the best practice provisions of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. This annual report provides a section on AEGON s corporate governance that describes the views and intentions of the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board in this regard. SUPERVISORY BOARD MEETINGS In accordance with the Supervisory Board Rules, preparatory meetings preceded the regular meetings, attended by the chairman and vice-chairman of the Supervisory Board as well as the chairman and the chief financial officer of the Executive Board. All Executive Board members attended the regular meetings, held in March, June, August, November and December In December 2004, the Supervisory Board discussed the Executive Board s and its own composition and performance, in the absence of the Executive Board members. AEGON ANNUAL REPORT

14 REPORT OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD The meetings, during which the Supervisory Board discussed the quarterly and annual results and the press releases, were also attended by the director of the Group Finance department. Representatives from Ernst & Young, AEGON s independent auditor, attended the discussion regarding the results for As usual, special meetings of the Supervisory Board were dedicated to AEGON s budget for 2005 and to the Group Management Overview. In June, a meeting of the Board was devoted to AEGON s business strategy. This meeting was preceded and prepared by the Strategy Committee. The meeting was hosted by AEGON UK and the occasion proved a good opportunity for AEGON UK s management and board to exchange a broad range of information about AEGON in general and AEGON UK in particular. The Supervisory Board intends to pursue further opportunities to engage AEGON s international senior management and the board members of the various country units. Included among the many topics discussed during Supervisory Board meetings in 2004 were embedded value, dividend policy, capital management and risk management. With the support of the Board, AEGON s 2003 Embedded Value Report was disclosed on June 7, Recognizing the increasing importance of effective risk management, the Audit Committee discussed this issue and reviewed the measures that AEGON has implemented. The conversion to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) was also discussed as well as the process initiated by AEGON to ensure compliance beginning with the 2005 financial year. Attention was also devoted to partnerships and divestitures. The Supervisory Board approved an increase in AEGON s participation in La Mondiale Participations from 20% to 35%; the establishment of a pension fund management company in Slovakia; the launch of a greenfield operation in the Czech Republic and the expansion of the activities of AEGON USA s Direct Marketing Services to other countries. The Supervisory Board also approved the divestiture of AEGON Spain s non-life business as well as the sale of most of the remaining non-core businesses of Transamerica Finance Corporation (the maritime container business and the European trailer business). Topics of particular interest to the Supervisory Board included equity lease in the Netherlands as well as regulatory and other legal issues in the USA and in Europe. Following the adoption of the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, the Board amended the Supervisory Board Rules, the Audit Committee Charter, the Pre-approval Policy relating to the services of AEGON s independent auditor, Ernst & Young, and the Rules on Inside Information. The Supervisory Board also adopted a Financial Control Complaints Procedure, which establishes a whistleblower arrangement according to SOX, in addition to the whistleblower procedure in the Code of Conduct, as well as the Executive Board Rules. SUPERVISORY BOARD COMMITTEES The Supervisory Board relies on four committees to prepare specific issues for decision-making by the Board. The members of the Committees are selected from the Supervisory Board. In accordance with its Charter, each Committee reports its findings to the Supervisory Board during a subsequent Supervisory Board meeting. The Audit Committee held six meetings during 2004, which were also attended by members of the Executive Board as well as the Group Finance Director, the Group Internal Auditor and representatives of Ernst & Young. The discussions in the Audit Committee were dominated by its permanent agenda: the quarterly results, the annual accounts and the auditing of those by Ernst & Young; the accounting principles; the financial reports as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), AEGON s Capital Plan, in addition to reports on currency exposure, internal control systems as well as Risk Management and Ernst & Young s independence and fees. The Committee advised the Supervisory Board to recommend to the 10 AEGON ANNUAL REPORT 2004

15 shareholders that Ernst & Young be reappointed as independent auditor for the financial year The Committee also discussed the consequences of SOX and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, as well as the role of the independent auditor. The Committee confirmed that Mr. Eustace and Mr. Voser qualify as financial experts within the meaning of the relevant provisions of SOX and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. In accordance with legal requirements, the Committee approved and recommended to the Supervisory Board the adoption of amendments to the Audit Committee Charter and the Pre-approval Policy. Among other things, the Charter states that the Audit Committee shall be directly responsible for the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor and that the company shall provide appropriate funding, as determined by the Audit Committee, for the payment of compensation to the independent auditors and to any advisor employed by the Audit Committee. Furthermore, it was determined that the Committee shall establish procedures for the receipt and retention of complaints relating to accounting and internal control issues. The Committee also approved the Financial Control Complaints Procedure. Two meetings, in March and September, were devoted to AEGON s filings with the SEC, the annual report (Form 20-F) and the results for the first six months (Form 6-K). Each quarter, the Committee was updated on the activities of the Group internal auditor and on AEGON s worldwide compliance with SOX as well as on general compliance issues. The Committee also engaged in a discussion of AEGON s Risk Management Report, as presented by the Group Risk Manager, and subsequently reported on this to the Supervisory Board. The Strategy Committee held two meetings, which were also attended by the Executive Board members. The purpose of this Committee is to review the major features of AEGON s business strategy, in addition to considering alternative strategies and the consideration of material aspects relating to the implementation of the strategy. The Committee discussed AEGON s business strategy and prepared the agenda for the meeting of the Supervisory Board held in Edinburgh in June The Nominating Committee held three meetings in These meetings were also attended by the Executive Board s chairman. The Committee discussed the composition of the Supervisory Board and its Committees and existing and forthcoming vacancies. In addition, introduction programs for new members were planned and a retirement schedule for members of the Executive Board was prepared. The Compensation Committee is responsible for the design, development, implementation and review of the Remuneration Policy that outlines the terms and conditions of employment of the members of the Executive Board and of the remuneration of the members of the Supervisory Board. The Committee makes its recommendations to the Supervisory Board. The Committee held one meeting in 2004, attended also by the Executive Board s chairman, during which the implementation of the Remuneration Policy for the Executive Board as adopted by the shareholders during the AGM on April 22, 2004, was discussed. PRINCIPAL POINTS OF THE REMUNERATION REPORT The Compensation Committee has reported on its activities in Please refer to page 14 for the full text of this report as well as of the Remuneration Policy and to page 1 19 and 120 for financial details. The Short Term and Long Term Incentive plans were adopted by the Supervisory Board in line with the company s current Remuneration Policy. The base salaries of the members of the Executive Board and the remuneration of the Supervisory Board members were not changed in SUPERVISORY BOARD COMPOSITION In 2004, Mr. de Ruiter reached the retirement age of 70 years and stepped down at the end of the AGM on April 22, Mr. De Wit, whose four-year term of office ended in 2004, served as a member of the Board for a total of 14 years. In accordance with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, Mr. De Wit stepped down as a member of the Supervisory Board at the end of that same AGM. The members of the Supervisory Board extended their gratitude to Messrs. De Ruiter and De Wit for their long and distinguished service to the company. The four-year terms of office of both Mrs. Rembe and Mr. Olcay also ended in The Supervisory Board nominated Mrs. Rembe and Mr. Olcay for reappointment and they were subsequently reappointed during the AGM in In the same meeting shareholders appointed Messrs. Dahan, Bailey and Voser as members of the Board. In 2005, the four-year terms of office of Messrs. Eustace, Stevens and Tabaksblat will expire. Messrs. Eustace and Stevens are eligible for reappointment and the Supervisory Board has decided to nominate them for reappointment for another term. In compliance with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, Mr. Tabaksblat is not eligible for reappointment and as such will step down at the end of the AGM to be held on April 21, The Supervisory Board has appointed Mr. Eustace to succeed Mr. Tabaksblat as chairman, subject to his reappointment by shareholders during the AGM on that same date. Mr. Olcay will have served the Board for 12 years in 2005 (the maximum term according to the Dutch Corporate Governance Code). The Supervisory Board, however, has asked Mr. Olcay to remain on the Board given his extensive experience and due to the relatively large number of recent changes in the composition AEGON ANNUAL REPORT

16 REPORT OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD of the Board as a result of retirements. Mr. Olcay has agreed to continue his service on the Board for the duration of his current term, which expires in In order to fill the vacancies, the Supervisory Board has on the advice of the Nominating Committee decided to nominate Mr. Shemaya Levy for appointment by the AGM. Details of Mr. Levy will be provided together with the agenda for the AGM on April 21, EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPOSITION In compliance with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, the members of the Executive Board will henceforth be appointed for a term of four years, subject to possible reappointments by the AGM. According to the retirement schedule (which has been posted on AEGON s corporate website) the term for Messrs. Shepard and Streppel will end in The Supervisory Board has decided to nominate them for reappointment for a four-year term. ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND DIVIDEND This annual report includes the annual accounts for 2004, as deliberated and proposed by the Audit Committee, and subsequently submitted by the Executive Board. The Supervisory Board recommends that shareholders adopt these accounts. A total dividend for 2004 of EUR 0.42 per common share is proposed. Since an interim dividend payment of EUR 0.21 per common share was made in September 2004, this entails a proposed final dividend payment of EUR 0.21 per common share. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The members of the Supervisory Board wish to commend the Executive Board and all members of the worldwide AEGON community for their strong commitment to growing AEGON s business. The Board wishes to extend its appreciation for the dedication and professionalism they continuously demonstrate in responding to ever-changing market conditions and an increasingly challenging regulatory environment. The Hague, March 2, 2005 On behalf of the Supervisory Board, Morris Tabaksblat, chairman 12 AEGON ANNUAL REPORT 2004

17 MEMBERS OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD OF AEGON N.V. M. Tabaksblat chairman (1937, Dutch nationality) is chairman of Reed Elsevier and a retired chairman and CEO of Unilever. He was appointed in His current term will end in 2005 and he will step down at the end of the AGM to be held on April 21, He is also chairman of the Supervisory Board of TPG N.V. and a member of the International Advisory Board of Citigroup International (USA) and Renault Nissan (France/Japan). He is currently the chairman of both the Nominating Committee and the Strategy Committee. D.G. Eustace vice-chairman (1936, British nationality) is chairman of Smith & Nephew plc (London, UK) and a retired vice-chairman of Royal Philips Electronics. He was appointed in 1997 and his current term will end in He is eligible for reappointment and is willing to remain on the Supervisory Board. Upon his reappointment in 2005, he will succeed Mr. Tabaksblat as chairman of the Supervisory Board. He is also a member of the Supervisory Boards of Royal KPN N.V. and Hagemeyer N.V. He is currently chairman of the Audit Committee. Upon becoming chairman of the Supervisory Board he will step down from the Audit Committee. I.W. Bailey, II (1941, American nationality) is a senior advisor to Chrysalis Ventures. He is a retired chairman and CEO of Providian Corp., a former managing director of Chrysalis Ventures, and a former chairman of the Board of Directors of AEGON USA Inc. He was appointed in 2004 and his current term will end in He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Computer Sciences Corp., Hospira Inc., as well as of the National Association of Small Business Investment Companies. He is currently a member of the Strategy Committee. T. Rembe (1936, American nationality) is a retired partner/senior counsel of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP (San Francisco, USA). She was appointed in 2000 and her current term will end in She is a member of the Board of Directors of SBC Communications Inc. (USA). She is currently a member of the Audit Committee. W.F.C. Stevens (1938, Dutch nationality) is a retired partner/senior counsel of Baker & McKenzie and was a senator in the Dutch Parliament until June He was appointed in 1997 and his current term will end in He is eligible for reappointment and is willing to remain on the Supervisory Board. He is chairman of the Supervisory Board of NIB Capital N.V. and a member of the Supervisory Boards of N.V. Luchthaven Schiphol, TBI Holdings B.V., AZL N.V., Goedland N.V. and Ermenegildo Zegna International N.V. He is currently a member of both the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. K.J. Storm (1942, Dutch nationality) is a former chairman of the Executive Board of AEGON N.V. He was appointed in 2002 and his current term will end in He is chairman of the Supervisory Boards of N.V. Royal Wessanen, Laurus N.V. and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines N.V. and a member of the Supervisory Board of Pon Holdings B.V. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of InBev S.A. (Leuven, Belgium) and Baxter International Inc. (USA). He is currently a member of the Strategy Committee. P. Voser (1958, Swiss nationality) is CFO of Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies. Until 2004 he was group CFO and a member of the Group Executive Committee of ABB (Asea Brown Boveri) Ltd. He was appointed in 2004 and his current term will end in He is currently a member of the Audit Committee. R. Dahan (1941, Dutch nationality and permanent US resident) is a retired executive vice-president and director of Exxon Corporation. He was appointed in 2004 and his current term will end in He is also chairman of the Supervisory Board of Royal Ahold N.V., a member of the Supervisory Boards of TPG N.V. and VNU N.V. and a member of the International Advisory Boards of CVC Capital Partners and of the Guggenheim Group. He is currently chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Nominating Committee. O.J. Olcay (1936, American nationality) is vice-chairman and managing director of Fischer, Francis, Trees and Watts, Inc. (New York, USA). He was appointed in 1993 and his current term will end in He is chairman of FFTW Funds Inc. in New York (USA), FFTW Funds Selection in Luxembourg and FFTW Funds in Dublin (Ireland). He is currently a member of both the Nominating Committee and the Strategy Committee. L.M. van Wijk (1946, Dutch nationality) is president and CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines N.V. and vice-chairman of Air France- KLM S.A. He was appointed in 2003 and his current term will end in He is also a member of the Supervisory Boards of Randstad Holding N.V. and Martinair, and a member of the Board of Directors of Northwest Airlines. He is currently a member of the Compensation Committee. SUPERVISORY BOARD COMMITTEES AUDIT COMMITTEE NOMINATING COMMITTEE Dudley G. Eustace, chairman Morris Tabaksblat, chairman Toni Rembe, member René Dahan, member Willem F.C. Stevens, member O. John Olcay, member Peter R. Voser, member STRATEGY COMMITTEE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE Morris Tabaksblat, chairman René Dahan, chairman Irving W. Bailey, II member Willem F.C. Stevens, member O. John Olcay, member Leo M. van Wijk, member Kees J. Storm, member AEGON ANNUAL REPORT

18 REMUNERATION POLICY AND REPORT The Supervisory Board relies on four committees to prepare specific issues for decision making by the Board. One of these committees is the Compensation Committee, responsible for the design, development, implementation and review of the Remuneration Policy that outlines the terms and conditions of employment of the members of the Executive Board and of the remuneration of the members of the Supervisory Board. The Committee makes its recommendations to the Supervisory Board. This chapter sets out the Remuneration Policy and the remuneration of the members of the Executive Board and the members of the Supervisory Board for the year ended December 31, REMUNERATION POLICY SUPERVISORY BOARD REMUNERATION The remuneration of the members of the Supervisory Board is based on a base compensation and a compensation relating to committee meetings. The members of the Supervisory Board do not receive any performance or equity-related compensation and do not accrue any pension rights with AEGON. The compensation of members of the Supervisory Board is reviewed every three years. Any change in the compensation will be submitted to the shareholders for adoption. EXECUTIVE BOARD REMUNERATION OBJECTIVE The Remuneration Policy for the Executive Board is aimed at creating a reward structure that will allow the company to attract and retain qualified and expert executives, as well as at providing those executives with a well balanced and incentive based compensation. POLICY TERM The annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) adopted this Remuneration Policy on April 22, The Remuneration Policy took effect on January 1, 2004, for a three-year term. Any material changes in this Remuneration Policy will be submitted to the AGM for adoption. TERM IN OFFICE The Supervisory Board has determined that, as from January 1, 2005, the term in office for new members of the Executive Board will be four years. Every appointment would be for the full term; however, members may leave before the end of their term due to reaching the age of retirement. On expiry, the Executive Board member may be reappointed for successive periods of four years. BASE SALARIES Base salary levels are based on the requirements and responsibilities of an Executive Board position. The Compensation Committee will ensure that base salary levels are realistic and competitive, taking into account individual roles and responsibilities of the Board members and considering benchmark information provided by independent external advisors. Annually, the Committee will review the levels, considering circumstances that would justify adjustment, such as fundamental changes in the business environment or in the individual responsibilities. SHORT-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN Short-term incentive (STI) bonuses aim to reward Executive Board members for achieving previously determined objectives that reflect their respective responsibilities. Those targets will be set annually to ensure that business priorities are followed and the targets remain dynamic. The plan determines that a STI bonus will be paid only if value is created for shareholders, i.e. only after a positive value of new business (VNB), as defined in AEGON s Embedded Value Report, is realized. For Messrs. Shepard and Streppel corporate VNB will apply; for Messrs. Van der Werf and Wynaendts, the VNB for their specific business area will be taken into account. Provided the relevant VNB is positive, then the actual level of income before realized gains and losses on shares and real estate will determine the level of the bonus payout. The income before realized gains and losses on shares and real estate target will be calculated based on a rolling, three-year average, increased by 2.5% to reflect inflation. Bonus payout for Messrs. Shepard and Streppel solely depends on AEGON s income before realized gains and losses on shares and real estate. For Messrs. Van der Werf and Wynaendts the bonus is based on the income before realized gains and losses on shares and real estate of the country unit(s) under their responsibility (60%) and on AEGON s income before realized gains and losses on shares and real estate (40%). 14 AEGON ANNUAL REPORT 2004

19 The target levels vary due to differences in responsibilities and base salary. Whilst Mr. Streppel s base salary is higher than Messrs. Van der Werf s and Wynaendts, their achievable bonuses are higher, reflecting their role as value drivers for AEGON. TARGET STI BONUS LEVELS AS FROM JANUARY 1, 2004 Target (last 3-years average) Maximum (% of base salary) (% of base salary) Shepard 118% 189% Streppel 50% 80% Van der Werf 80% 125% Wynaendts 80% 125% Annually, the Compensation Committee will review the agreed parameters to ensure that they continue to provide the best reference. Independent external advisors, Tillinghast and Ernst & Young, will provide and sign off all relevant STI data. Additionally, effective from his appointment as chairman per April 18, 2002, Mr. Shepard is entitled to a STI equal to 0.1% of the net income of AEGON in the plan year. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN Long-term incentive (LTI) bonuses aim to reward Executive Board members when the company achieves previously determined objectives. The LTI bonus relates to their base salary and the value forms a combination of performance options and performance shares. At the beginning of every plan term, the LTI bonus value (amount) is determined and the corresponding number of options and shares is granted. Vesting of those rights is conditional upon the attainment of the agreed performance. In that regard, the attainment will be determined by measuring AEGON s Total Shareholders Return (TSR) performance against that of a select peer group. This group comprises companies that are comparable in type of business, size and geographical presence, and that are generally recognized as the most appropriate reference group. The group consists of Allianz, Aviva, AXA, Fortis, Generali, ING, Jefferson-Pilot, John Hancock Life Insurance, Lincoln National, Nationwide FS Inc. and Prudential PLC. The plan subsequently defines a target performance zone. Performance relative to that zone will determine which portion of the performance grant will vest at which performance level. Should AEGON rank at positions twelve through nine, the grant will not vest. Once AEGON achieves position eight in this zone, 50% of the grant will vest. At position six, 100% will vest. Should AEGON rank number one, 200% of the grant will vest. TARGET LTI BONUS LEVELS AS FROM JANUARY 1, 2004 Target (% of base salary) Shepard 95% Streppel 60% Van der Werf 60% Wynaendts 60% The Compensation Committee will monitor the peer group composition and the performance incentive zone to ensure that they continue to provide an appropriate reference. The first review will take place in 2006; would those parameters no longer provide the appropriate reference, the Committee may decide to amend them. The independent external advisor, Towers Perrin, will provide and sign off all relevant LTI data. PENSION The pension arrangements aim at creating a reliable retirement provision for Executive Board members that conforms to market practice. SEVERANCE PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS In the employment contracts with the current Executive Board members, the following specific severance payment arrangements regulate their entitlements in the event AEGON terminates their membership on the Executive Board. Termination of employment of Mr. Shepard by AEGON other than for urgent cause, death, disability, voluntary resignation or retirement, shall entitle Mr. Shepard to three years base salary. In addition, he shall be entitled to receive an amount equal to the aggregate short-term incentive compensation he received during the three years prior to the termination. In such a case, the other Executive Board members have no specific financial arrangement. In the event of termination of employment by AEGON in connection with a merger, takeover or fundamental changes of policy and related organizational amendments, or by Mr. Shepard in the event his responsibilities or position are diminished by such circumstances, AEGON will pay Mr. Shepard compensation in the amount of three years base salary. Furthermore, he shall be entitled to receive an amount equal to the aggregate short-term incentive compensation he received during the three years prior to the termination and such severance payments shall be taken into account in determining the amounts payable to Mr. Shepard under his AEGON USA Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and three additional years of service will be credited for the purpose of calculating his benefit thereunder. Mr Streppel would be entitled to compensation according to the Zwartkruis formula, which means that the severance payment would be calculated on the basis of and depending on age, years of service, functional level and the probability of finding an equivalent position. Messrs. Van der Werf and Wynaendts would be entitled to three years fixed salary, only in case of termination in connection with a merger or takeover. The Supervisory Board has determined that as from January 1, 2005, employment contracts for new members of the Executive Board would contain a termination arrangement in compliance with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. AEGON ANNUAL REPORT

20 REMUNERATION POLICY AND REPORT REMUNERATION REPORT 2004 SUPERVISORY BOARD REMUNERATION Remuneration of the Supervisory Board members was not changed in For an overview of the remuneration received by the members of the Supervisory Board in 2004, please refer to page EXECUTIVE BOARD REMUNERATION POLICY During the year 2004 no material changes to the policy, as referred to in the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, were implemented. In addition, Mr. Shepard received a STI equal to 0.1% of the net income of AEGON in 2003, amounting to EUR 1,793,000. Please refer to page 1 19 for an overview of the STI bonuses for the year PLAN, TO BE PAID IN 2005 The STI 2004 bonuses will be paid in 2005, after adoption of the annual accounts for 2004 by shareholders during the AGM on April 21, The STI bonus related to AEGON s net income over the financial year 2004 for Mr. Shepard, will be paid in 2005, provided shareholders adopt the annual accounts for TERM IN OFFICE The Supervisory Board will propose to the AGM on April 21, 2005 to (re)appoint Messrs. Shepard and Streppel for a four-year period starting in BASE SALARIES The base salaries of the Executive Board members were not changed on January 1, 2004, save the adaptation in accordance with the general salary rounds applicable to AEGON employees in the Netherlands, as stipulated in the employment contracts with the Dutch Executive Board members. For an overview of the base salaries received by the Executive Board members in 2004, please refer to page SHORT-TERM INCENTIVES 2003 PLAN, GRANTED IN 2004 In accordance with the STI plan 2003, the bonuses for the year 2003 were paid in Through this plan Mr. Shepard could earn USD 50,000 per percentage point increase in the preceding year earnings per share and the other members EUR 32,432 per percentage point increase in the preceding year earnings per share over the rate of European inflation. All bonuses have a maximum ceiling of 150% of the relevant year s salary. All the members of the Executive Board have opted for payment of half of the cash value of their STI bonus into AEGON N.V. common shares, which shares are restricted (nontransferable) for a period of three years. After this three-year period, the Executive Board members will be entitled to bonus shares, provided that they are still employed by AEGON. The number of bonus shares will be calculated through performance based matching, on the basis of an earnings per share (EPS) growth over inflation in the preceding three years, i.e. 2004, 2005 and 2006, according to the following table. LONG-TERM INCENTIVES 2003 PLAN, GRANTED IN 2004 Under the 2003 LTI plan, the Executive Board members were eligible to receive a predetermined number of Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs), subject to three criteria: Comparison of AEGON with a peer group of nine financial companies (ABN AMRO, AIG, Allianz, AXA, Fortis, Generali, ING, Prudential PLC and Zurich). The comparison is based on the share price performance over the preceding three years. Should the AEGON share price performance achieve a top three position, each Executive Board member would receive 200,000 SARs. Should this share price performance finish in the middle group (of four companies), each Executive Board member would earn 100,000 SARs. Should the share price performance rank in the bottom group (three companies), 50,000 SARs would be granted. In case earnings per share did not increase, no SARs would be granted. At the end of the plan term it was determined that the AEGON share price performance compared with those of the peer group (based on the share price performance over 2001, 2002 and 2003) ranked in the bottom group, as a result of which each Executive Board member has received 50,000 SARs in Please refer to page 120 for the exercise price and the duration of these SARs PLAN, GRANTED IN DECEMBER 2004 In accordance with the 2004 LTI plan, non-vested (conditional) AEGON common shares and options were granted to each of the Executive Board members. Vesting of those rights is conditional upon the attainment of the agreed performance. Please refer to page 1 19 for an overview of the LTI grants for the year years average EPS growth Share (over inflation) matching % < 5% 0% 5-10% 25% 10-12% 50% 12-14% 75% > 14% 100% 16 AEGON ANNUAL REPORT 2004

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